PUNJAB MARKS 1st YEAR OF HISTORIC EDUCATION REFORMS AS ENROLLMENT DRIVE BEGINS
MINISTER VOWS TO CONTINUE WORKING COLLECTIVELY TO TURN CM’S VISION FOR EDUCATION INTO REALITY
GOVT COMMITTED TO PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION: CS
Lahore, February 27: A ceremony was held at Government APS Shuhada High School Model Town on Thursday to mark the completion of the first year of groundbreaking reforms in Punjab’s education sector and the launch of the enrollment campaign for the new academic year. Representing the Chief Minister Punjab, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman attended the event.
During the ceremony, the Chief Secretary and the Education Minister awarded laptops and special prizes to students who showed exceptional performance in STEM competitions and other academic contests.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat highlighted the unprecedented progress made in the education sector under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He stated: “The past year has been a testament to determination, hard work, and success. We have laid the foundation for an educational revolution, and in the coming years, we will further strengthen this foundation.” He emphasized that CM Maryam Nawaz prioritized education immediately after taking office, leading to record-breaking reforms.
Rana Sikandar Hayat reaffirmed that all promises made by the Chief Minister to students and teachers have been fulfilled. “Maryam Nawaz’s commitments are not just words; they are visible in tangible, on-ground achievements,” he mentioned. The Minister vowed to continue working collectively to turn the Chief Minister’s vision for education into reality.
Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman underscored the government’s commitment to providing top-quality educational facilities. “Our priority is to align the education sector with modern demands and ensure that teachers and students have access to the best resources,” he said.
Speaking to the media, Rana Sikandar Hayat announced plans for the upcoming academic year, including a target to enroll two million children. He also announced a health insurance policy for teachers and elimination of their additional duties. The Minister highlighted the success of initiatives like the Digital Safar Program and Google for Education, which have equipped thousands of young individuals with essential skills. Additionally, modern smart classrooms have been established in schools across the province.
The Education Minister also shared encouraging results from the outsourcing of schools, noting a significant improvement in enrollment rates. He revealed that technical education has been introduced for the first time in Punjab, with the Matric Tech program set to launch in the new academic year.
The ceremony was attended by parliamentarians, administrative secretaries of the education department, and a large number of teachers, and students, reflecting the collective commitment to transforming Punjab’s education system.
